School Matters
May 2023
Superintendent's End-of-Year Message
Tomorrow, Friday, May 26, the 2022-2023 school year will come to a close. I am astounded by how quickly we got to this point. But more importantly, I am extremely proud of our students, teachers, and support staff for their dedication, hard work, and many accomplishments throughout the past year.
In the past two months alone, the District has recognized more than 250 students—including our amazing teachers of the year—during our school board meetings. Tomorrow night, we will celebrate 866 seniors from the Lake Travis High School Class of 2023. Without a doubt, great things are happening at Lake Travis ISD!
Before you head into summer break, did you know we are already busy preparing for the 2023-2024 school year? We hope you take a few minutes to read our current highlights in the flyer below. It is our hope you will share the good news with your friends and neighbors.
On behalf of the entire LT family, I look forward to another school year working as one community, with one purpose, and with all heart!
Sincerely,
Paul Norton
Superintendent of Schools
LTHS Commencement Ceremony is Friday, May 26
Lake Travis High School will hold its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2023 at 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 26 at Cavalier Stadium.
Attendance will be limited to graduates and family members. The ceremony will be streamed via Texan Live.
LTHS seniors take trips down memory lane
Bee Cave Elementary School
Lake Pointe Elementary School
Lake Travis Elementary School
Lakeway Elementary School
Serene Hills Elementary School
West Cypress Hills Elementary School
Last Day of School/Early Release May 26, District Holiday May 29
Friday, May 26 is the last day of school for the 2022-2023 school year.
All LTISD schools will release students early on Friday, May 26 as follows:
- Elementary - 12:40 pm
- Secondary - 1:50 pm
All LTISD schools and buildings will be closed Monday, May 29. Offices will reopen Tuesday, May 30.
School board recognizes student achievement in academics, athletics and fine arts
Outgoing trustees recognized, new board members sworn in
Lake Travis ISD trustees William Beard and Bob Dorsett, Jr. were elected to the Lake Travis school board in 2014 and 2016, respectively. During an unprecedented climate of challenge and change, each consistently supported the District’s efforts to accommodate a growing student enrollment, attract and retain a highly-qualified workforce, provide a world-class education, and sustain a fiscally-prudent operating budget. Mr. Beard and Mr. Dorsett did not to seek re-election in 2023.
Mr. Beard and Mr. Dorsett were recognized for their service as volunteer school trustees during the May 17 board meeting. On behalf of the LTISD family, we wish them much success in their future endeavors.
Long Range Facilities Planning Committee makes recommendation to the school board for Nov. 2023 bond
Returning Student Verification for 2023-2024 School Year now available in Skyward Family Access
We are pleased to announce the opening of Returning Student Verification for the 2023-2024 school year. This process, which includes essential beginning-of-the-year forms, has traditionally not been available until late July, so we are excited to give families the opportunity to complete this requirement earlier. Please note, all returning students are automatically enrolled for the coming year. If your student will not be returning to Lake Travis ISD for the 2023-2024 school year, please contact your campus registrar for a withdrawal form. Learn more
LTISD hosts Fentanyl Parent Awareness Night
District hosts "Aloha" events at SHE and WCHE
Administrators and teachers at Serene Hills and West Cypress Hills elementary schools hosted Hawiian-themed welcome events for families with students transferring to each campus as a result of the recent rezoning of Rough Hollow Elementary School. The events were held May 15 and May 16, respectively.
Families took part in student-led campus tours, visited with staff, viewed slide deck presentations with campus information, and purchased school spirit wear. Snow cone and ice cream trucks were also part of the festivities, courtesy of each campus PTO.
Did you know?
Does your student miss two days a month for any reason? They may be considered chronically absent. Chronic absence is typically defined as missing 10% of the school year–or just two days a month–for any reason. Studies show parents underestimate the total number of days missed by approximately 50%.
At Lake Travis ISD, in 2022, non-chronically absent elementary students consistently outperformed their chronically-absent peer group at the Masters level by at least 10%. This is true for math, science, reading, and social studies.
District Elementary, Secondary teachers of the year announced
West Cypress Hills Elementary School first grade teacher Summer Miller and Lake Travis Middle School art teacher Kenny Moncada have been selected as the District's Elementary and Secondary teachers of the year, respectively. The announcement was made by president John Aoueille during the May 17 school board meeting.
Both honorees were selected from the cohort of Campus Teachers of the Year announced last month and will now be considered for the 2023-2024 regional/state Texas Teacher of the Year program.
District announces new General Counsel
Ms. Collins will begin her tenure at Lake Travis ISD on Monday, July 10.
LTEF awards $58,000 in scholarships for LTHS seniors
The Lake Travis Education Foundation has administered more than $58,000 in scholarships to 29 graduating seniors from the Lake Travis High School Class of 2023.
"The LTEF scholarship committee was inspired by not only the talents but the hearts of the students who applied," said Amy Thomas, LTEF Executive Director. "Choosing the recipients was extremely difficult, and we expect nothing but excellence from this class of individuals."
Members of LTEF presented the scholarships during the Lake Travis High School Senior Awards Ceremony held May 10 at the LTHS Performing Arts Center. If you are interested in establishing a scholarship, please contact the LTISD Director of Corporate Relations/Lake Travis Education Foundation Amy Thomas.
LTHS Cav Lounge delighted by DECA donation
Members of the Lake Travis DECA Mart school store recently made a donation to the Cav Lounge to support its operation and contributions to the Cavalier community.
"The welcoming atmosphere, delectable food and beverages, and diverse events at the Cav Lounge have created a cherished gathering place for students." said Jill Oates, DECA co-advisor and store co-operator. "We firmly believe in the power of collective impact, and even a modest contribution can make a significant difference for our students."
The donation was collected via "Declan’s Delights," a candy gumball machine project founded by Lake Travis High School junior Declan Ehrie.
Staff rock into retirement
On behalf of Superintendent Paul Norton and the entire Lake Travis ISD family, we congratulate the following 28 staff members who have chosen to retire at the end of the 2022-2023 school year:
- Paige Abbott - HBMS, History Teacher
- Kim Alexander - BCE, Special Education Aide II
- Bradley Bailey - Adminn., Assistant Superintendent of Operations/Title IX Coordinator
- Clint Baty - LTHS, Teacher/Coach
- JoAnn Bryan - HBMS, Counselor
- Bettie Anne Buerk - BCMS, Social Studies Teacher
- Donella Chalmers - LTHS, Administrative Assistant
- Elizabeth Clark - LTHS, Counselor
- Wendy Daniels - BCE, Teacher
- Rhonda Davis - TRANS, Director
- Anna Dawson - LPE, Pre-K Teacher
- Leann Grose - HBMS, ISS Aide
- Russell Henry - LTHS, Teacher
- Dana Hensel - LTMS, Nurse
- Felicia Hernandez - SHE, Music Teacher
- Linda Holt - WCHE, 2nd Grade Teacher
- Maria Howard - LTMS, Registrar
- Cindy John - SHE 4th Grade Teacher
- Minka Judson - LWE, PE Teacher
- Marla McGarr - HBMS, Special Education Teacher
- Ben Mewis - Transportation, Lead Bus Driver
- Deborah Pate - LTHS, Math Teacher
- Fernando Rodriguez - Maintenance, Grounds Keeper
- Lari Rogge - WCHE, Diagnostician
- Kelly Runkle - BCE, 2nd Grade Teacher
- Sammy Seidenberger - HBMS, Science Teacher
- Kevin Smith - LTHS, Social Studies Teacher/Coach
- Evelyn Sorrels - LTHS, Athletic Department
- Brian Taylor - HBMS, PE Teacher/Coach
We wish these hardworking men and women all the best as they "rock" their way into retirement and a well-deserved permanent vacation.
Two students graduate Project SEARCH
Officials with Lake Travis ISD and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Lakeway are proud to recognize students Alex Carballo and Andrew Jones as 2023 Project SEARCH program graduates.
Project SEARCH is a collaborative community partnership between Lake Travis ISD, Baylor Scott and White Medical Center Lakeway, Easterseals, and Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services. It is a one-year program that follows the Lake Travis ISD school year whose primary objective is to secure competitive employment for people with disabilities.
The students were recognized at a ceremony held May 16 at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Lakeway. Each graduate completed work rotations in several hospital departments throughout the school year and has secured post-graduation employment at local businesses. Andrew is working full time at Lake Travis Independent Living. Alex is working part time at Dillard's. He will begin his welding certification this fall at Austin Community College.
Two students graduate LTISD 18+ Transition Program
Students prepare to work in field of education
The courses in this program include Principles of Education and Training, Child Development, Instructional Practices, and Practicum in Education & Training. Students are eligible to apply for their Educational Aide I Certificate from the Texas Education Agency after completion of at least two courses, one of which must be instructional practices. As part of the instructional practices and practicum courses, students work with LTISD elementary and middle school teachers for short internships and also as teacher aides.
LTHS named distinguished school for STEM curriculum and career readiness
Lake Travis High School trio earn apprenticeships at UT Applied Research Laboratories
LTISD SHAC presents "Wellness Watch" Spring/Summer 2023 Newsletter
The Lake Travis ISD SHAC has published its latest newsletter, "Wellness Watch - Spring/Summer 2023."
In the spring of 2021, Lake Travis ISD's School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) decided to create a quarterly newsletter to share information that will help families and the community support student health in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, social and emotional wellness, and health education.
SHAC members come from different areas of the community, as well as from within the school district. The majority of members must be parents who are not employed by the district. SHACs assist school districts in ensuring that local community values are reflected in health education instruction. Additionally, SHACs play an important role in strengthening the connection between health and learning. They can help parents and community stakeholders reinforce the knowledge and skills children need to stay healthy for a lifetime.
LTHS student-athletes sign letters of intent
Cheer
Emmy Belmarez - Texas State University
Lilly Brown - Louisiana State University
Skylar Hupp - University of Texas
LTHS student-artists sign letters of intent
Congratulations to the following Lake Travis High School student-artists who signed collegiate letters of intent in a variety of fine arts during the 6th Annual Lake Travis ISD Fine Arts Signing Day held May 23 at the Lake Travis High School Annex:
- Adelyn Biondi - Texas State University
- Maya De Leon - Maine College of Art & Design
- Brooke Ellisor - New York University
- Nathan English - University of Texas at Austin
- Chase Fisher - Texas A&M University
- Autumn Forgey - University of North Texas
- Antasha Havenga - Austin Community College
- Jackson Hund - The University of Georgia
- William Iannitelli - Otterbein University
- Jaelyn Knoll - American College of the Performing Arts (AMDA)
- Reagan McClead - University of North Texas
- Kaelyn Miller - Texas State University
- Olyvia Owen - Mary-Hardin Baylor
- Lucas Scott - University of Texas at Austin
- Adrian Soliz - Berklee College of Music
- Zoey Stein - Cornish College of the Arts
- Aerin Taylor - University of North Texas
- Alana Yost - Texas State University
Interested in a corporate partnership with LTISD?
LT 5 Brass places in national chamber competition
The LT Brass 5 recently placed in the semifinal round of the Fischoff National Chamber Competition held on the campus of Notre Dame University.
The Fischoff competition is in its 50th year of existence and is the country's premier chamber small ensemble competition. The competition includes both a junior and senior division. The LT Brass 5 competed in the junior division.
Students performed for a group of jurors who are music performance leaders. During their time in the competition, they received feedback from jurors, met the other ensembles through social events, and attended an awards gala. In addition to their performance at Fischoff, these students participated in the Peer Ambassadors of Music program and performed for local elementary students at LaSalle Elementary in South Bend Indiana.
LT Brass 5 members photographed (left to right) are Josie Cowings, Sam Bangert, Jake Fagan, Bryce Kar, and Kate Calder. Congratulations to these students for representing LTISD and the Lake Travis Cavalier Band at the national level!
LTMS students participate in annual "Day of Service"
Special Olympics Banquet celebrates student-athletes
Student-athletes in bowling, basketball, track, cycling, and soccer took center stage May 5 at Lake Travis High School for the LTISD Special Olympics annual banquet. The event was sponsored in part by the Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Club.
The Lake Travis ISD 2022-2023 Special Olympic student-athletes are:
- Gavin Ahiers - Bowling, Cycling, Basketball, Soccer
- Mason Beninga - Bowling, Basketball, Track
- Arianna Carmouche - Bowling
- Jace Cochran - Cycling,
- Gracie Crook - Bowling, Cycling, Track
- Liam Decker - Soccer
- Reno Dees - Bowling, Cycling, Basketball
- Cash Deville - Bowling, Basketball, Soccer
- Kinsey Deville - Bowling, Basketball, Soccer
- Declan Ehrie - Bowling, Track
- Sheriden Gorden - Bowling, Cycling, Basketball, Track, Soccer
- Mason Gutierrez - Bowling, Basketball, Track, Soccer
- Jack Halford - Bowling, Cycling, Basketball, Track, Soccer
- Travis Hodde - Bowling, Cycling
- Valentina Johnson - Cycling, Basketball
- John Kirchenwitz - Bowling, Soccer
- Kylie Kowalewski - Bowling, Basketball, Track, Soccer
- Macie Kranz - Bowling, Track, Soccer
- Reagan Lowman - Cycling, Basketball, Track
- Mason Lowry - Bowling, Basketball, Track, Soccer
- Madison Miller - Basketball, Track
- Luke Mueller - Bowling, Cycling, Basketball, Track, Soccer
- Andrew Murphy - Bowling, Basketball, Track
- Charlie Nicholson - Basketball, Track, Soccer
- Caden Plauche - Bowling, Basketball, Track
- Sankalp Ringe - Track, Soccer
- Fiona Schlegel - Basketball, Track
- Holden Schneider - Basketball, Soccer
- Torrence Spence - Bowling, Cycling, Track, Soccer
- William Sumrall - Cycling, Track
- Mark Theodore - Basketball, Track
- Hayden Trigg - Bowling, Cycling
- Jason Walden - Bowling, Cycling, Soccer
- Waylon Ward - Bowling
- Emilio Yazdani - Bowling, Cycling Track
Unified Partners:
- Ethan Delaughter - Bowling
- Sydney Foltz - Bowling
- Caiden Reibold - Basketball
- Owen Riener - Basketball
- Owen Spendolini - Basketball
Coaches:
- Erin Russo - Bowling
- Frank Assorgi - Cycling
- Ashlyn Koenning, Ben Kurecka, Wendi Daniels, Hal Shults, Brian Kenyon - Basketball
- Edie O'Brien - Track
- Heather Amitrani & Chuy Gutierrez - Soccer
Additionally, at the conclusion of each sport season during the year, Girl Scout Troop 43201 provided goodie bags for each athlete.
Congratulations to these amazing student-athletes, coaches, volunteers, and parents on a successful season!
May 2023 is National Better Hearing & Speech Month
Speech Language Pathologists, better known as SLPs, are highly-trained professionals who evaluate and treat individuals with speech or language difficulties. With the theme, “Building a Strong Foundation,” Lake Travis ISD proudly joins the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to celebrate May 2023 as National Better Hearing & Speech Month in recognition of the critical role SLPs play in both school and clinical settings.
Communication disorders are among the most common conditions in children and adults, affecting tens of millions of people in the United States alone. At Lake Travis ISD, our SLPs work with students who have communication challenges that affect success in classroom activities, social interaction, literacy, and learning. They utilize strategies to help promote good communication skills that lead to success in speaking, thinking, reading, writing, and learning.
The following Speech-Language Pathologists serve students across LTISD:
- Miranda Bradford - LTE
- Nick Brock - HBMS
- Jennifer Brutsche - EDC/Child Find
- Alexa Byars - SHE
- Carole Calder - LPE
- Ana Duque - LTE/Bilingual
- Cheyenne Gabica - LTE
- Susan Gregory - BCE
- Leigh Han - LTHS/18+
- Caroline Harris - WCHE
- Saige Hassan - LWE
- Rachel Henson - WCHE
- Sydney Jenkins - SHE
- Kimberly Kight - BCMS
- Chloe Kruedewagen - BCE
- Liz Liles - RHE
- Yvonne Loredo - LTHS
- Anne Massey - LWE
- Kathryn McWilliams - LTMS
- Kira Moler - SHE
- Weronika Monaco - LTE/Bilingual
- Nicole Parson - LTE
- Sarah Stahelin - RHE
- Kacey Thornton - LPE
- Haley Root Watkins - LPE
- Deborah West - LWE
- Andrea Wilder - LPE
- Kristi Payton - Lead SLP
- Brett Durham - Assistant Director of Special Services
District celebrates Wednesday, May 10, 2023 as “National School Nurse Day” and "Public School Paraprofessional Day"
In 2001, the Texas Legislature formally designated the second Wednesday in May of each year as "Public School Paraprofessional Day" in recognition of education paraprofessionals. On this day, we recognize our Lake Travis ISD paraprofessionals who make many important contributions across our schools. Rising above the challenges presented by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, these men and women are an integral part of the LT family and deserve to be celebrated now more than ever.
As outlined in Texas Government Code 662.049, these education paraprofessionals include teacher assistants, instructional aides, educational trainers, library attendants, bilingual assistants, special education associates, mentors, and tutors. Their work is an important part of the educational process at LTISD, and we certainly could not be successful without them.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 was celebrated as “National School Nurse Day.” There is no better time to recognize and celebrate the specialty practice of school nursing. Together with the National Association of School Nurses, Lake Travis ISD applauds the work of our school nurses to support and improve the safety, health, and academic success of all students. School nurses understand the link between health and learning and are in a position to make a positive difference for children every day.
This year’s theme, “Bridging Healthcare and Education,” is reflective of the significant roles school nurses have in healthcare within their school communities. Students today face more complex and life-threatening health problems requiring care in school. In addition to the incredible responsibilities and demands placed on them by the recent pandemic, school nurses have the unique skills to prepare staff to recognize and respond appropriately to potential emergencies.
At LTISD, the following school nurses provide critical services to more than 11,400 students:
- Jamie Foster, RN - BCE
- Margaret Freudenburg, RN - LPE
- Erin Koomler, RN - LTE
- Neal Shotwell, RN - LWE
- Lauren Prian, RN - RHE
- Erin Tabarrok, RN - SHE
- Kate Neal, RN - WCHE
- Jamie Ennis, RN - BCMS
- Sue Meyerhofer, RN - HBMS
- Dana Hensel, RN, NCSN - LTMS
- Molly Hinds, RN and Luanne Belville, RN - LTHS
- Becca Harkleroad, RN, NCSN - Lead Nurse
District celebrates May 8-12, 2023 as "Teacher Appreciation Week"
The expectations and demands that have been placed upon our teachers in recent years are simply unprecedented. Yet our teachers continue to rise to the challenge each day, doing whatever it takes to make sure more than 11,400 students across our District are connected, engaged, successful, and most importantly… healthy and safe.
We are proud to recognize and thank our amazing teachers during their special week!
District highlights café staff during "National School Lunch Hero Day"
Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, responding to state and federal audits, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, our District’s Food and Nutrition Services (FANS) department professionals have a lot on their plate. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, Lake Travis ISD joined the School Nutrition Association in recognizing Friday, May 5, 2023 as “National School Lunch Hero Day.”
In particular, I would like to highlight our café managers and their respective staff members who provide healthy and nutritious meals to thousands of students across our 11 cafés:
- Dolores Arriaga, SHE
- April Billingsley, BCE
- Kylene Goebel, HBMS
- Shana Jones, BCMS
- Bailey Nell, LPE
- Sandy Padilla, LTMS
- Jessica Rodriguez, LTE
- Corinne Stewart, WCHE
- Lorrie Thomas, LTHS Main
- Gloria Torres, LWE
- Mike Villegas, RHE
- Gina Zachmann, LTHS Annex
District observes April 23-29, 2023 as National Library Week
With the theme “There’s More to the Story,” Lake Travis ISD joined the American Library Association to celebrate April 23-29, 2023 as National Library Week in recognition of our school librarians and their unique contributions to public education.
During the pandemic, our school library media specialists continue to excel, and perhaps more importantly, to adapt resources and services to best meet our students’ needs during these challenging times. Either in person or virtually, our libraries offer endless opportunities to transform student lives through education and lifelong learning.
A total of 11 elementary and secondary school library media specialists, and one librarian aide, provide services to more than 11,400 students across our district:
- Ouita Bingham - Bee Cave Elementary School
- Deborah Foster - Lake Pointe Elementary School
- Brekka Larrew - Lakeway Elementary School
- Nicholle Halprin - Lake Travis Elementary School
- Michelle McMillin - Rough Hollow Elementary School
- Krish Stella - Serene Hills Elementary School
- Cathy Seidenberger - West Cypress Hills Elementary School
- Katie Owen - Bee Cave Middle School
- Caitlin Hooker - Hudson Bend Middle School
- Lori Kelley - Lake Travis Middle School
- Amber Cambridge - Lake Travis High School
- Elizabeth Stearns - Lake Travis High School
Our librarians actively and creatively engage students in developing the most fundamental of skills, collaboratively plan with teachers and other school staff to deliver quality instruction through cutting-edge technology, and work with parents to plan, design, and coordinate book fairs and other special campus events. Whether it’s by creating an interest in reading or by helping students connect to the Internet, our LTISD library media specialists have a direct impact on student learning and achievement.
Generosity overflow at LTEF Havana Nights Gala
The Lake Travis Education Foundation (LTEF) Board of Directors hosted an amazing night of generosity Saturday, April 15 benefitting Lake Travis schools.
Themed "Havana Nights," the annual LTEF Gala was held at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. The funds raised from the gala will assist LTEF in awarding educator grants to each LTISD campus as well as scholarships to graduating seniors from Lake Travis High School. In 2022, LTEF provided 101 innovative educator grants and 29 scholarships.
The gala is the foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year which will support critical programs and technology for more than 11,000 Lake Travis students.
“LTEF Board of Directors is composed of community leaders, parents, volunteers, and advocates, and we created a gala that captured the hearts and spirit of LT. Since 1985 we have raised over $5 million for important educator grants and scholarships," shared Jeff Haley, LTEF president. "This wouldn't be possible without a community dedicated to the success of our schools."
Krystle Alvarado, LTEF Gala Chair, added, "The LTEF Board of Trustees was thrilled to host a special evening with our LT Community as we raised record funds for our students and schools. Thank you to every sponsor, donor, student performer, and guest for joining us at Havana Nights. We hope to see everyone next year as we continue our mission of funding programs and projects to elevate our classrooms and district."
Legend Communities was the gala’s presenting sponsor.
“We are so thankful for the local businesses and families who support Lake Travis Education Foundation, the generosity of our community was overwhelming. We received support through underwriting and sponsorship, auction donations, and individuals showing up to raise their paddles and give big for LTISD schools," said Lake Travis Education Foundation Director Amy Thomas. "I am grateful to live in a community that cares so deeply about education and opportunities for the next generation."
The Lake Travis Education Foundation Board of Directors would like to thank the student performers, volunteers, and teachers who made this event possible, including but not limited to, the Lake Travis Cavalier Band (LT Brass 5 and Drumline), the Lake Travis Cheerleaders, LTMS Jazz Co. and LTHS students Presley Grace Treviño and Mia Aoueille.
LTEF developed a series of videos that initially aired during the gala including "Lake Travis Programs", and "Mentor Programs". Each video was produced by Jon DaSilva of Roadrunner Pictures and is hosted on LTEF digital and social media platforms. Photos from the LTEF Gala are available for viewing online as well.
Keeping Connected
Download the LTISD Keeping connected PDF to learn about the various ways to receive district and campus-level news, emergency notification, and other information.
Stay in the know on the go with our district mobile app for iOS and Android. Follow LTISD on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn about Peachjar, the innovative flyer management system that sends district- and school-approved digital flyers directly to parents via email.
Lake Travis Independent School District
Email: info@ltisdschools.org
Website: www.ltisdschools.org
Location: 3322 Ranch Road 620 South, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-533-6000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltisdschools/
Twitter: @ltisdschools